After driving the boys to daycare, I cash my check at the credit union and return home a half hour past our scheduled departure time. Not a problem. Barb and Chuck have not yet arrived. We pack the van and leave shortly before ten, stopping at McDonald's to pick up breakfast, which includes 9 orders of hash browns. I only drive the first 50 miles; then Chuck volunteers to take over. His driving makes me -- and everyone else -- so nervous, but I don't argue. We meet the Blumenfelds and Cieslewiczs in Minocqua to eat lunch at Bosacki's.
The Rittenhouse bed-and-breakfast in Bayfield is an eye-opening establishment. Beautifully appointed rooms. Cozy, snowbound setting.
After unpacking, we meet for supper. Maggie's, the only real choice at this time of year, has a long waiting list, so we walk 3 blocks in -20 degree cold to Marty's, a typical bar and while away some time. We spend a half hour at the bar once we get back to Maggie's, waiting for a cluster of tables that will seat ten. In the meantime, we continue to drink and jabber away. Dinner itself is a wonderful group experience. We have so much fun. Back at the Inn, we gather in Barb and Chuck's room to play 60s Trivial Pursuit, and I dazzle the group with my answers -- notably the "Hog Farm" response.
